fall

Pursue an internship position at the Smithsonian! There are fall, winter/spring, and summer positions available in a variety of roles. All of the following internships are unpaid positions.

Internship Positions

Assist in coordinating all aspects of the Smithsonian Sleepover program such as set-up, supervising craft activities, customer service, and maintaining supplies. Sleeping over in the museum is a requirement. View position details.

Support staff in the Development Office through creating marketing materials, drafting grants and sponsor proposals, maintaining website text, and conducting research on funding sources for Development activities. View position details.

Discovery Theater

Support the Discovery Theater staff in all aspects: house management, ticketing and group sales, administration, and production support. Positions available: DT Admin/House Management | DT Technical Intern | DT Museum Theater & Education Intern

Adult Education Programming

Assist with research, booking, budgets, logistical set-up, contract negotiation, space rental, and event implementation. Assist with staffing duties during some evening and weekend programs. View position details.

Digital Marketing

Support Marketing staff editing images and HTML to be used in e-mail marketing campaigns and on social media sites as well as using web analytics software to research results from marketing campaigns. View position details.

Film Production

Supports marketing and programming teams by filming and producing video content. Attend and videotape select programs for promotional purposes and works with program managers to put together video clips for event presentations. View position details.

Performing Arts

Assist with research, booking, budgets, logistical set-up, and marketing. Provide program support during some evening and weekend programs, including box office and house management duties. View position details.

Special Events

Assist in coordinating all aspects of the SMITHSONIAN @ 8 program such as logistical support, customer service, event implementation, marketing, and research. View position details.

Social Media

Attend events and create new content on social media applications highlighting the activities of the Smithsonian Associates and represent the Smithsonian brand. View position details.

Studio Arts Classroom Assistant

Assist in administering adult Studio Arts classes. Primary responsibility is to ensure a positive classroom experience for students/instructors. View position details.

Studio Arts

Provide program support for studio arts courses and workshops and content for the Studio Arts blog, Studio Arts landing page, and Facebook fan page. View position details.

Summer Camp

Support the Smithsonian Summer Camp team by assisting with the daily running of the 9-week camp program, supervising campers and Youth Teacher Assistants, upkeep of rosters and camper paperwork, parent communication, and supply organization and procurement.

How to Apply

Apply online through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). Please carefully review the position description(s) prior to applying.

You will need to provide the following:

· A current resume

· A recent writing sample

· Learning objectives

· Academic transcript (unofficial are acceptable)

· Two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or recent employers

Candidates will likely be asked to interview, either in person or over the phone, for their desired position.

Essential Tips for the Online Application

· Do NOT submit your application until all necessary components are uploaded (i.e. transcripts, writing sample, resume). Once submitted, you cannot upload or change anything within the application.

· An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the document and saving it as a pdf or jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript separately.

· Make sure that you click the “send email” button for reference letters. This triggers the system to email your references with instructions for uploading the letter. Please advise your references of this in advance.

· All necessary components of an application must be received by the deadline in order to be considered. This includes letters of recommendation.

Deadlines for Applications
Smithsonian Associates internships are highly competitive and applying early is strongly encouraged

To be considered in the first round of applications, please submit your materials by the dates below:
Fall Positions: July 1
Winter/Spring Positions: October 1
Summer Positions: February 1

Applications received after these dates will still be considered on an as-needed basis.

Selection Process
While we appreciate and applaud your enthusiasm and interest in serving an internship with us, please refrain from contacting us to check on the status of your application. Keep in mind that for most programs and projects, only those applicants selected will receive notification. If you haven’t heard and need answers, send us an email and we will do our best to give you an update on the status of your application.

Interns selected for appointment at the Smithsonian Institution will be required to undergo a security background investigation and fingerprinting through the Office of Protection Services before they are accepted into an internship.

Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin. From Jack O’ Lanterns and coffee flavors, to center pieces for your Thanksgiving table, this seasonal squash is an autumn staple. Let’s take a look at the chemistry that has us falling for pumpkins year after year.

Wait, so my pumpkin spice treat isn’t really pumpkin?

Nope! And your pumpkin pie probably isn’t either. The “pumpkin” used in your pie is actually a specially bred sweet squash that is less watery and fibrous than your typical carving pumpkin. Both pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice flavored foods rely more on their blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove than the gourd itself for their flavor. Since natural spices don’t produce consistent flavoring in large-scale commercial food production, the molecules that produce the flavor in these spices (cinnamaldehyde & pinene are among these) are often added instead.

You can read more about the flavor chemistry of your favorite fall treats in this Chemical & Engineering News article.

This infographic was created by Andy Brunning.

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Internships at the Smithsonian